News
FortisTCI announces $8 million investment in TCI’s First Solar plus Battery Microgrids for Twin Islands and Salt Cay
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (Thursday, June 8, 2023) – FortisTCI will invest $8 million to install the country’s first solar plus battery microgrids to power 30% of the electricity supply on North and Middle Caicos and 91% of the electricity supply on Salt Cay in 2024. The microgrids represent the Company’s single largest green energy investment to date.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 1, 2023, as the Company hosted a business cocktail event called ‘Energy Hour’, at The Farm Restaurant, Seven Stars Resort. FortisTCI signed a contract with Compass Solar the following day at TCI Energy Forum. The Bahamas-based renewable energy company will install the solar components of the project and emerged as the winning bidder following a tender process that included local and regional companies. Hitachi will provide the battery storage service.
Construction on the twin-islands project will commence this year, and the system will come on stream in 2024. The solar plus battery microgrid on Salt Cay will also be operational in 2024. Both microgrids will encompass a battery energy storage connected to the primary grid with the ability to disconnect and operate independently, as necessary.
An independent study was used to determine the feasibility of microgrids in outer islands. Based on factors such as cost, each island’s electricity system, including generation resources, customer electricity use trends, fuel usage, and the amount of land available, North and Middle Caicos and Salt Cay were selected.
The solar plus battery microgrids are among several strategic investments that FortisTCI is making to meet growing energy demand and accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs over time. These investments are aligned with Company’s integrated resource plan (IRP), which supports an optimal energy mix that includes diesel, with at least 33% renewable energy integrated by 2040.
FortisTCI has conducted various studies to help determine the best energy mix for the country. These include gas-to-power research, which explored how the Company can integrate natural gas (LNG) into the energy mix. A study to determine the feasibility of wind as an energy source is currently underway on North Caicos.
Since 2015, FortisTCI has continued to expand its Utility Owned Renewable Energy (UORE) Program through customer partnerships. The Company has 2.6 MW of solar PV on the grid through 18 systems. These installations have produced over 4.8 GWh of green energy, avoiding 3.75k tons of CO2 emissions.
FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “We are taking significant steps to transform how we produce and distribute energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands. FortisTCI is greening the islands with our latest investments. Microgrids on North Caicos and Salt Cay will significantly decrease the overall cost of energy production in these islands. With appropriate amendments to the electricity ordinance, customers can benefit from lower energy prices over time. We will continue to work with TCIG to achieve this outcome. Reducing our dependence on imported diesel fuel, expanding renewable energy integration, and lowering the cost of electricity over time are all part of the sustainable energy future we are building for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – DAVANTE BRISCO, aged 30, the son of a senior female police officer of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, faces three charges:
- Robbery: Allegedly, Davante Brisco, along with accomplice FRENDY MERONE (already charged and appeared in court on Tuesday, April 16th), held up Wilson Alfred, robbing him at knifepoint of over $300.00 cash and a Samsung cellphone valued at
approximately $300.00. - Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority: Brisco and his accomplice allegedly took Wilson Alfred’s white Toyota motorcar (registration number 16697) and drove away without permission.
- Using Offensive Weapon to Cause Fear: It’s alleged that during the commission of the offenses, they used a knife to instill fear in the alleged victim.
The incident reportedly occurred near Clement Howell High School on Tumpa Avenue, Blue Hills, Providenciales, on Thursday, April 4th, 2024.
At the arraignment in the Magistrate’s Court before His Honor, Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, on Monday, May 13th, it was revealed that Brisco was granted $7,500.00 bail with certain conditions to follow.
His next court appearance (Supreme Court) is scheduled for July 5th, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.
Brisco was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Tassja Mitchell.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – On Monday, May 6th, 2024, five separate matters were presented before His Honor, Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, Chief Magistrate. Handling all cases was Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson, the public prosecutor.
- WATSON LOUIDOR (20 years old, Bay Road, Blue Hills, Providenciales):
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Pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
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Granted bail, with the matter adjourned to June 11th of the same year.
- MUSELIN MEDACIER (36 years old):
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Brought before the court by Immigration Officer R. Cartwright for possession of an irregular certificate.
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Pleaded guilty and the matter was transferred to the Grand Turk Magistrate Court.
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Scheduled to reappear before Acting Resident Magistrate Ms. Patricia Arana on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Remanded in custody.
- FINAL VALCORT (38 years old):
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Appeared from custody for offenses of obstruction and unlawful entry.
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Did not enter a plea, and the case was transferred to Ms. Patricia Arana for mention on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
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Investigating Immigration Officer: Mr. A. Jones.
- MARIO JAMES TAYLOR (24 years old, Five Cays):
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Did not enter a plea.
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Bail extended to Friday, May 10th for mention.
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Charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (A.O.A.B.H) by PC W. Clair.
- DARLY FRANCOIS (27 years old, Blue Hills, Providenciales):
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Bail extended to May 15th for the offense of common assault.
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Charged by Police Constable (PC) T. Stewart.
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Pleaded not guilty.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – At the funeral service for her late brother, RYAN MUSGROVE, who was allegedly murdered by beheading, Ms. Ethlyn Musgrove, aged 51, flew in from the United States of America (USA). While at the burial site, she alleged that she was sexually assaulted in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
Shortly after returning home, she reported the alleged sexual assault to the local police of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The police investigation, spanning from November 30, 2023 (the date of the alleged attack), to February 13, 2024 (the date the accused was charged), resulted in the arrest of JAMES STANLEY GODET, a 60-year-old TCI senior citizen.
He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court earlier this year and pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution has arranged for the alleged victim, Ms. Musgrove, to return to the Turks and Caicos to testify before Her Honor The Resident Magistrate, Mrs. Oreika Selver Gardiner, in the trial scheduled to commence and run for two or more days between Monday, May 20th, and Tuesday, May 21st, 2024.
The defendant’s counsel is senior defense attorney Mr. Finbar Grant.
Magnetic Media will keep you updated on the outcome of this trial.
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